Men's Tennis

Kopelman Named Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach at Babson

Sep 11, 2018

BABSON PARK, Mass.—Babson College Senior Director of Athletics and Athletic Advancement Mike Lynch announced the appointment of Michael Kopelman as the head men's and women's tennis coach. Kopelman replaces longtime coach Jim Berrigan, who stepped away in August after a 19-year tenure.

Kopelman comes to Babson following a successful three-year stint as an assistant men's and women's tennis coach at nearby Brandeis University. The 2018 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year, Kopelman helped the men's squad win 14 matches and saw the program rise to as high as 14th in the national poll during the 2017-18 campaign. The Judges' top doubles pairing also was selected to participate in the NCAA Tournament as part of the program's best showing in more than three decades.

The success of the men's program came on the heels of a historic 2016-17 campaign for the Brandeis women. Under Kopelman's tutelage, the program set a school record with 15 wins and got as high as No. 18 in the ITA national poll. Additionally, four of Kopelman's six recruiting classes have been ranked in the top 25 by The Tennis Recruiting Network, which includes Division III's seventh-ranked men's class in 2018.

"Michael has a strong track record of identifying talent and helping his student-athletes compete at a high level that can help him be successful at Babson," said Lynch. "He will bring a great level of energy and enthusiasm to the position while providing a first-class experience. I am excited about the future of the men's and women's tennis programs with Michael at the helm."

Prior to Brandeis, Kopelman spent two seasons as an assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Division II Bentley University, where a combined 11 players from the men's and women's programs earned Northeast-10 Conference honors.

"I want to thank Mike Lynch, Kirsten Clark and the entire search committee for bringing me on board," commented Kopelman. "Coach Berrigan built a really strong foundation in his time at Babson and I'm grateful for what he has done over the last two decades. I know that Babson is committed to providing its student-athletes with the best experience possible. I am excited to get to work and push the programs to new heights."

A 2013 graduate of Boston University, Kopelman was a two-time captain and a two-time All-America East Conference doubles selection for the Terriers. He helped the program record its first winning season since 2007 as a senior in 2013, accumulating 50 wins in just two-and-a-half seasons.

The Babson women's program ended the year ranked 35th in the ITA national poll, while the men's squad reached its sixth consecutive New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament final.

What others are saying about Coach Kopelman:

"Michael Kopelman was an excellent player and is a great coach. He also is a top recruiter and pays attention to detail. I am sure the Babson tennis programs will thrive under his leadership."-Rick Edelmann, Bentley University head men's and women's tennis coach

"I am excited for Michael, and Babson is extremely lucky to have him. He was a tremendous asset for our programs over the last three years. I was fortunate to be able to treat Michael like a co-head coach because he does everything at a high level. He is a great communicator and worked hard to help our players maximize their potential. It was a pleasure to work with Michael and I wish him the best of luck."-Ben Lamanna, Brandeis University head men's and women's tennis coach

"Babson tennis is getting an outstanding coach in Michael Kopelman. His knowledge of the game, commitment to player development, and care for his players are second to none. It's been a privilege to coach against Kope during his time at Bentley and Brandeis, and I'm excited to welcome him to the NEWMAC!-Pauri Pandian, Wheaton College head men's and women's tennis coach